Currently, India is engaged in a two-match Test series against the West Indies, which concludes on October 14. After that, the team will head to Australia to kick off the limited-overs tour.
The tour will start with three ODIs, marking the first appearance for captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian colors since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year.
A number of big names are expected to return, with a full-strength squad likely to be announced. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is also expected to make his comeback. With that in mind, here’s a look at the projected 15-member squad for the ODI series.
Indian Cricket Team 15-member squad for ODI tour of Australia – Predicted
| No. | Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma (C) | Captain | Returning as ODI captain; cleared fitness tests; leads the side after ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win. |
| 2 | Shubman Gill (VC) | Vice-Captain / Opening Batter | In consistent form; will open alongside Rohit; key all-format player. |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | Batter | Expected to join squad soon; focusing solely on ODIs; big positive for team and broadcasters. |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer | Batter | In great form; likely drafted after taking a break from red-ball cricket; experienced in Australia. |
| 5 | KL Rahul (WK) | Wicket-Keeper / Batter | First-choice ODI keeper; strong form; experience on Australian pitches valuable. |
| 6 | Rishabh Pant | Wicket-Keeper / Batter | Recovering from injury; expected fit for Australia; serves as backup keeper and floater. |
| 7 | Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder | Premier all-rounder; match-winner; crucial for team balance. |
| 8 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder | Impressed in previous Australia tour; adaptable with bat and ball; groomed for future. |
| 9 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder | Experienced in Australia; reliable with bat and top-class bowler; adds team balance. |
| 10 | Washington Sundar | Spin All-Rounder | Backup spin option; may get game; filling gap after Ashwin’s retirement. |
| 11 | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner | Match-winner; can turn ball on any surface; key against Australian batters. |
| 12 | Jasprit Bumrah | Pacer | Leader of pace attack; availability depends on BCCI; part of ongoing Test series. |
| 13 | Mohammed Siraj | Pacer | In top form; likely to play ODIs; not selected for T20Is indicates focus on other formats. |
| 14 | Mohammed Shami | Pacer | Making comeback after year-long absence; ODIs expected to be his gateway back; brings experience. |
| 15 | Arshdeep Singh | Pacer | Backup pacer for SENA countries; leading left-arm option; strong T20I performance. |
